Passion, persistence, and Veejay Floresca’s ‘Project Runway’ win

By Tracy Dizon

There are stories in fashion that feel like modern-day fairytales—not whimsical, but built on grit, resilience, and the courage to dream beyond borders. For me, Veejay Floresca’s journey is exactly that kind of story.

I’ve known Veejay for two decades. We were contemporaries in Manila, both “Kontesera,” always throwing ourselves into design competitions as young fashion students. She joined Project Runway Philippines Season 1; I was in Season 2. In 2009, we even shared a small room in Tokyo while representing the Philippines at the Japan Fashion Design Contest, where Veejay, ever radiant, won her first international award. Later, we collaborated on bridal clients in Manila, and through it all, one thing never changed: her persistence, determination, and generous heart.

Born and raised in Manila, Veejay studied Fashion Design and Merchandising at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, then pursued a Master’s in Fashion at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, followed by further studies in bridalwear at Central Saint Martins in London. Her educational path mirrored her ambition—driven, global, and grounded in the Filipino spirit of resourcefulness.

Veejay’s journey was deeply shaped by her family. Her father, a lawyer, was tragically killed while handling a case when she was just 16. The loss forced her to step up as the family’s breadwinner. Her mother, Madore, worked tirelessly as a street vendor to make ends meet—a figure of quiet strength who remains one of Veejay’s greatest inspirations.

“My mom’s favorite color is red,” she once said, “so I always include it somewhere in my collections.”

So when Veejay made the leap from San Francisco to New York, I knew she was writing her own modern fashion fairytale. Today, she reigns as the first transgender woman and the first Filipina to win Project Runway U.S.—a victory that resonates far beyond the runway.

The win that changed everything

When Heidi Klum called her name, Veejay could barely believe it.

“Honestly, I was very shocked,” she says. “Both of my competitors were very strong. I was nervous, but when Heidi said my name, I was speechless. It was a dream come true.”

The competition tested her adaptability.

“Sometimes you’re given themes you’re not good at—like athleisure or western wear. The strategy was to remain true to myself as a designer and to make sure everything was well-crafted.”

Her finale collection carried a deeply personal theme: inspired by “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” and her late father. “That movie was something my father and I shared. It wasn’t just about fashion—it was about love and acceptance. I wanted to create a collection my father would be proud of.”

For her finale, Veejay chose Mimi Tao, the first trans model on Project Runway.

“We share the same journey. Having her as my muse represented that trans people are capable of doing what they love.”

To Veejay, the win was never just about clothes. “Project Runway is about storytelling, representation, inspiring people. Being the first trans Filipina winner is a victory for the Filipino American community and for the LGBTQIA+ community. It shows that when you work hard and don’t give up, you can achieve your dreams.”

Filipino roots, global vision

Growing up in the Philippines, she says, winning Project Runway once felt impossible.

“Success doesn’t come easy. There’s no shortcut. Every day is part of the journey.”

That philosophy—no shortcuts—rings like the moral of her fairytale. She credits Filipino creativity, resourcefulness, and resilience for carrying her through.

Her design aesthetic? “Modern, sexy, innovative.” Beyond style, she champions slow fashion and made-to-order pieces. “Sustainability is very important. There’s passion in creating something for a specific client.”

Back in 2008, she was a young contestant on Project Runway Philippines.

“I was very creative then, but I lacked technical skills. In the U.S., I learned to drape, cut, tailor—my craftsmanship matured. I’ve also grown more competitive and resilient.”

New York, she adds, has shaped her differently. “It’s very competitive compared to Manila. Designers from all over the world come to New York. That’s a challenge, but also motivating.”

Her next milestone is already set: her first solo fashion show during New York Fashion Week 2026.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to have a solo show, and now it’s happening in New York City. Who would have thought?”

She dreams of designing for the Met Gala, seeing her work in museums, and dressing a Best Actress at the Oscars. “They say dream big, right? Who would have thought a normal Filipino immigrant could win Project Runway?”

Her hope for legacy is simple yet powerful: “To be remembered as someone who didn’t give up, who continued no matter how hard it was.”

Tracy Dizon is a Filipino fashion designer and fashion design educator based in New York City.